Q&A: What United-Continental airline passengers need to know

Now that the $3 billion United-Continental merger has finally taken off, passengers might be left wondering: What’s in it for me?

The deal, announced yesterday, will create the world’s largest carrier with 370 destinations in 59 countries. At Newark Liberty International Airport, the new airline is expected to carry about three out of every four passengers.

John O’Boyle/The Star-LedgerContinental business traveler Armond Suraci of Warren County says the merger is going to make traveling worse.But for travelers who use Newark and other key hubs across the nation, the reduced competition could also mean higher airfares for some routes, analysts say.

Here is a guide to what to expect from the merger, from airfares and routes to customer service and frequent flier programs.

Q. How will airfares be affected?

A. While the new airline says it does not intend to raise fares, analysts predict the carrier will reduce service and increase ticket prices for overlapping domestic routes. This includes flights leaving from Newark for cities including Denver, Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., according to George Hobica, president of travel website Airfarewatchdog.com. In general, experts predict prices will rise to match the more expensive of the two carriers.

Q. Will the carrier use the same planes?

A. The airline says it plans to merge the two existing fleets. However, planes will be repainted to bear the United name while retaining Continental’s logo and blue-and-white color scheme.

Q. How will the routes change?

A. The new carrier has said it will blend the two global networks. Continental currently flies nonstop to 150 destinations from Newark, while United flies to 96. Combined, they will service 151 destinations from Newark.

Q. How will this affect the frequency of flights leaving Newark?

A. Continental is currently the No. 1 carrier out of Newark, with an almost 71 percent market share and roughly 400 flights daily. United has a 3 percent stake. Analysts say any redundant flights between the two carriers could be cut, thereby reducing frequency. But some experts are also predicting German carrier Lufthansa will move flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Newark Liberty.

Q. How will this affect international and business travel?

A. The merger fuses Continental’s dominance in Europe and Latin America with United’s strong presence in Asian countries such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam and South Korea. Flights to both regions will most likely be expanded.

Q. What happens to my frequent flier miles?

A. United’s Mileage Plus and Continental’s OnePass frequent flier programs will be merged into one that will “be much better able to consistently deliver the benefits our elite customers value,” the new carrier said. It’s unclear exactly how specific benefits will change, but analysts predict mileage rewards accrued under either account will simply be rolled into one.

Q. How will this affect customer service?

A. This depends largely on any labor disputes that might lie ahead, experts say. Traditionally, Continental has had a reputation for high-level customer service, while United has not, Hobica said. But with analysts predicting there will be some layoffs, wage reductions and adjustments in seniority passengers should be prepared for some “severe employee dissatisfaction,” said Claes Fornell, an expert on customer satisfaction at the University of Michigan.

Q. Can I use my United ticket on Continental, or vice versa?

A. No. The airlines will continue to operate independently until the merger is completed.

Q. So how soon will I see any of these changes?

A. The merger is not expected to be completed until the fourth quarter of this year. Until then, the new airline said, it’s business as usual.

Staff reporter Joseph R. Perone contributed to this report. Leslie Kwoh may be reached at lkwoh@starledger.com.